What Are the Most Common Causes of Catastrophic Motorcycle Accidents in the Bay Area?

Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable on Bay Area roads. Catastrophic crashes often result in life-altering injuries; understanding why they happen can help riders and their advocates seek accountability.

1. Left‑Turn Collisions

When a vehicle turns left across a lane of oncoming traffic, it may fail to spot an approaching motorcycle. At urban intersections in Oakland, San Francisco, and San Jose, this remains the leading cause of severe bike crashes.

2. Unsafe Lane Splitting

California allows lane splitting only “in a safe and prudent manner” (CA Veh. Code § 21658.1). Riders traveling significantly faster than surrounding traffic face increased risk of being sandwiched or clipped by motorists changing lanes.

3. Distracted or Impaired Drivers

• Texting and Phones: Glancing away from the road for even a few seconds at 35 mph covers over 150 feet.
• DUI: Alcohol and drugs impair reaction time and hazard perception, making collisions with smaller motorcycles more likely.

4. Roadway Hazards

Bay Area routes, particularly rural Marin roads and Oakland industrial zones, can feature potholes, uneven pavement, gravel, and debris, all of which pose severe threats to two‑wheeled vehicles.

5. Speeding and Aggressive Riding

While riders share responsibility, excessive speed magnifies crash forces and reduces time to react to sudden hazards or erratic drivers.

Legal Insight: If you or a loved one has suffered catastrophic injuries on a motorcycle, Mary Alexander leverages expert reconstructionists and medical specialists to prove